released February 26, 2021
Composition Book Volume I
This book of twenty compositions spans an approximately 20-year period of writing. They can all be found on one or another of Ben’s four solo releases: Flux, Dust, Excavation, and Oceana. It reflects a broad sample of work involving the exploration of various harmonic, technical, and textural elements of the guitar. There are 6 solo pieces, as well as pieces for trio and quartet, with voice being the 4th instrument. The pieces were chosen for the particular technical challenges they present to the performer. Some unusual fingering techniques are employed, as well as alternate tunings. Standard notation only.
Composition Book Volume II
This book serves as a follow-up to Ben Monder Compositions, with an emphasis on the compositions found on the 2013 recording, Hydra, as well as some older pieces that didn’t make it into the first book. They are scored for solo guitar, guitar trio, guitar and voice duo, and quartet with one or multiple voices. The majority of the works are through-composed and reflect the exploration of various harmonic, technical, and textural elements of the guitar. These pieces will present an array of challenges to the performer, including unusual techniques and alternate tunings.